Door chimes, bell rings, in comes York Stage, with another fresh and vibrant offering at Theatre@41 in York this week – the Sondheim classic Company finally gets its spot on the bill, and it did not disappoint.
Modern relationships, the complexity of marriage and personal identity are themes within this 1970’s musical – and also the struggles our protagonist Bobby faces as he blows the birthday candles for the 35th time. Surrounded by his nearest and dearest, their relationships only lead to further internal questioning and reflection; what’s next for him and is there any truth in his fear of commitment and intimacy.
This sparkling new take explores what togetherness truly means; it’s clear there’s a party to attend and we are lucky to be the honorary guests.
Company is at Theatre@41, Monkgate, from Wednesday 13 to Saturday 16 November.
What elevates this production is the overall concept and design, with glitter and sequins covering the cast head to toe there was no denying it would be anything other than dazzling.
With excellent costuming by director/choreographer Nik Briggs, the vision was clear from the first time the ensemble gathered together onstage – we knew there was fun about to be had. This was accompanied by simple yet effective staging, as the gift-wrapped stage blocks created the foundations for each new scene.
But there was certainly nothing simple about the music, as can be expected from a Stephen Sondheim offering. Complex harmonies and timings were littered within each and every number, a challenge that many would shy away from.
Yet this is where I felt the production shone the brightest, and a huge congratulations must go to musical director James Robert Ball and his talented band on their’s and the entire company’s musical achievements. Whether it was Hannah Shaw’s spectacular ‘Not Getting Married Today’, as our loveable neurotic bride-to-be Amy, or the hauntingly beautiful ‘Company’ reprises from the entire ensemble, it had excellent control and was timed to perfection.
So who was our beloved Bobby Baby Bubbi? Gerard Savva led the production with great enthusiasm and shared the stage with supportive talent.
Julie Anne Smith was a powerful Joanne, and I particularly enjoyed her rendition of ‘Ladies Who Lunch’, enabling the audience to journey through the song word by word without the need for any added choreography or unnecessarily embellishments, it was beautifully vulnerable.
The choreography throughout the show erupted in sharp, staccato bursts adding to the already eccentric environment. And whilst this felt repetitive at times, it found its perfect place in the act two opener ‘Side by Side’ where this movement was delivered with zeal.
Jo Theaker and Stu Huchinson were a wonderful Jenny and David, and they certainly set ‘high’ standards of comedy from their very first scene. Mary Clare and Jack Hooper as Sarah and Harry were another of our playful couples – or should I say play fighting. They had excellent chemistry, and the fast-paced dialogue between Clare, Hutchinson and Savva flowed effortlessly.
However, the show stealer has to be without a doubt, the one and only Flo Poskitt as our ditzy flight attendant April, one of Bobby’s love interests. Poskitt’s comedic timing is unmatched, to the point of evoking snorts of laughter from the audience in response to her mannerisms and delivery – not to mention having the most expressive facial expressions to ever grace a stage in York!
Briggs and co should be immensely proud of their achievements; from the dynamic performances shared to the excellent technical provision from Adam Moore and Ollie Nash, enhancing its delivery.
If you’re looking for a night of theatrical fun, this Company is absolutely the company to keep. Grab your tickets now and join in the celebration…
Tickets start from £18 and are available via the Theatre@41 website.